‘Integral part of the community.’ Bushwick church community attempts to rebuild after fire
Steward said the loss has been devastating for the congregation, but he emphasized that worship will continue.
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A Bushwick church is in the process of recovering after a massive fire badly damaged its sanctuary on Friday.
Pastor James Steward, who has led the congregation for nearly 14 years, said he was preparing for a Juneteenth barbecue when he got a call from a church member telling him the building was on fire.
Steward said the loss has been devastating for the congregation, but he emphasized that worship will continue. The church held a virtual service on Sunday and is now looking into temporary worship spaces while members work toward rebuilding.
"We are an integral part of the community," said Steward. "We don't want something like this to stop the worship that we have."
Steward said the church has already received an outpouring of support, including thousands of dollars in donations. He is also reminding people who want to help to donate only through the church’s official pages to avoid fake fundraising accounts.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
